Which injury should the nurse assess for in a neonate born vaginally to a mother with diabetes?

In neonates born vaginally to mothers with diabetes, the nurse should pay particular attention to the assessment for a clavicle fracture. This condition is more frequently observed in larger infants, which can be a common outcome for infants of diabetic mothers due to gestational diabetes leading to increased fetal growth (macrosomia).

During delivery, especially if the baby is larger than average, there is a higher risk of shoulder dystocia, a situation where the baby's shoulder becomes stuck during birth. The resulting pressure and manipulation during delivery can lead to physical injuries, including fractures of the clavicle, which is the most commonly fractured bone during childbirth.

While other fractures, such as skull, wrist, or ribcage fractures, can occur, they are less commonly associated with the specific risk factors of vaginal delivery in the context of maternal diabetes. The clavicle's vulnerability during delivery makes it crucial for the nurse to monitor this specific injury when caring for neonates born under such circumstances.